Vapor diffusing devices



March 13, 1956 vw` D, TURNER Eq-AL 2,738,224

I VAPOR DIFFUSING DEVICES Filed Feb. 7, 1952 INVENTORS AM D. TL/RNL-'RATTORNEY diffuser unit per se.

`2,738,224 vAron DIFFUSING; DEVICES yWilliam D. Turner, New York, 'PaulCheckovich, Baldwin, and Anthony J.' Shukis,,0zo,neI Park, N.^Y., as-Asignors to Airkem;1Inc.,"NeWYork,iN. vY., a corporation-of NewYorkApplication `February 7, 1952,4 S,e1"ialrN0.270,358

sfclaims. (61.;299-1-24) actor described wherein apertured Walls of thediffuser l unit provide a chamber for receiving a solid or essentiallyIsolidilied vapor emanating material. in further' par-tcular'theinvention relates to. devices of the character described wherein ayvapor diffusing unit adjustably engages the container element incontrolling the extent to which 4apertured Wall portions of the diuserunit are' exposed for emission of vapors therethrough.

yThe novel features of the invention will be `best ,under stood from.the followingjdescription; when taken together with `the accompanyingdrawing, in which certainembodil ments of the invention4 are disclosedand, in which, separate parts are designated bysuitable referencecharacters ineach -of the views, andinwhich:

Fig.y l is a side elevation of oneform of vapor diffuser unit arrangedwithin a container element-With part of the structure broken away and`in section.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a vapor ditfuser unit as shown ,in Fig. l.removed from the container and 'in operativeupositiom with part ofthestructure broken, away to i indicate a modiiiedarrangementof vaporemanating material.

Eig. ,2ozl is a partiall sectional 4View. showing` thehoolr element ofFig. 2 utilized for suspending the vapordiifuser vunit fromthe upperedgeof vthe outer container element.

Fig. 3 is aside elevation of a modified form of construction `wherein:i-diffuser unit telescopically engages a container Velement and isadjustable relative thereto with part of the structure broken awayand'in section.

Fig. 4 is a partial VView substantially on theline 4-4 of Fig. 3 andshowinga modiiication; and c Fig. V5A isv a fragmentary View of thetopof the device .shown in Fig. 3 in closedvposition with a;cover,applied andiwith part of the structure broken away and in section. InFig. `l of the. drawing, thereisl illustrated a vapor diffusing devicelil. c omprisinga lcontainer element .11

havingsuitable cilosme,V means asindicatedby the screw cap 12 and adiffuser unit 15am-angeli within the container. For shipping and storagepurposes, Van essen` tially vapor tight seal should be provided betweenthe container' 11 and cap' 12, and for thisjpurpose, asuitable gasket 14may'be,employed` extending over at least the container engaging portionof the CapllZ, and ifdesired,

United States Patenti() it may be an outer -seal strip can beapplied to'thecontainer and cap as v indicated at` 115," saidl seal strip engagingthe container and cap either -tensonallyor by .adhesi-vemeans.

Thedituseriunin13..comprises:aniessentially:cylindrical side wall,portion 161i having 0aiplurality of :apertures '411 2,738,224 listenedMar. 13, e

at-spaced--intervals 4throughout the height-and circumference thereof.The'lower end 18 fof the diffuser unit includes a bottom closureelement19 4whichl has been indicate-din the drawingas a cup-shaped memberhaving -an annular ange v20 which is secured tobt-he cylindrical wallportionatthe lowerend 18 thereof by a waterproof adhesive as indicatedlat y21, orby `other suitable'retaining means. Theupper'end'-ofwthefunitl13 is closed by a disk 22 fitting within thecylindrical wall-16. The disk 22 may be'adhesively secured inwplaceor"may be merely fric- ICC tionally supported-in engagement with thevcylindrical wall 16.

Arranged Within the unit 13 is a vapor emanating material which forpurposeof illustration 'f is indicated as an essentially cylindricalbody -23of` arvvapor emanating gel. it will be understood, however,thatv any solid or essentially solidied form ofvapor emanating materialmay be employed in thediiuser unit 13. As shown in thedrawing, a'body ofgel-'23 is initially arranged in the unit i3 witha slightV clearancebetween the `outer surface of the geland the innerfsurface` ofy thecylinder wall 16 to-provide space for circulation-of air aroundthe'bo-dy of gel 23 and outward through the apertures 17 when thediffuser unit is ini use. yWhen a gel .is employed as the vaporemanating vmateriaLit will be-understood that as vaporizable `materialis'emitted `and consumed, the body of gel-will gradually shrink awayfrom the side Walls 16 and top 22 of the unitI 13,-' andl when thevaporizable components have been all consumed, 'the body of gel V23awill'rhavebeen reduced in size to a small, dry kernel having a -.height`anddiatneterof -only about one-fourth the original` height anddiameter'thereof. This change in the sizeand form -of the body-of gel 23provides 'an easy means for the user to ascertain to what' extent theuseful A life-of` the device has been consumed.

The unit i3isalso provided with a hanging or suspend- ,ing -deviceZdwhich, for the purposel of illustration, has been-indicated in Figs.l-and 2 ofthe drawing as a cord Iand suspended position, is similar inall external' structure to the unit 13 shown in Fig. land embodies anessentially cylindrical side wall loihaving spaced apertures 17 arrangedlongitudinally and circumferentially thereof with the lowerend of thecylinder 16 being closed byian essentially cup-shaped cap 19^cemented orotherwise secured in-place and with the upper end closed by a disk 22.The

cutaway portion of Fig. 2, however, indicates a modified form ofiillingfor the unit 13 wherein the cylindrical body of emanatingmaterial shown in Fig. l is replaced by a granular or particled vaporemanating material 3) which may be in the form of lumps ofpumice-orother absorbent material impregnated with vaporizable components, orwhich may even be inthe form of a vapor emanating gel broken intorandom-size lumps or pieces. lf the Vapor `emanating material Siiincludes particles of small size, desirable to include a vapor permeableliner 31 adjacent the inner surface ofthe cylindrical Wall 16. The liner31 has been shown for` purpose of illustration as an openeworkscreenormesh providing free circulation of air and vapors-therethrough.

In Figs. 3 to 5 of the drawing, thereis shown ay modied form ofconstruction :wherein aadiffusing unit 32,

generally similar.l to theunit landihavingfan essentially cylindrical,external wall 133 ,with Aapertures,:3,4aspaced longitudinally andcircumterentiallyathereot, supported in a container` 35 having an innersurface 36 of essentially cylindrical contour frictionally engaging theouter surface of the unit 32. The frictional engagement between thecontainer 35 and the unit 32 permits extension of the unit 32 to exposeone, two, three or more rows of apertures 34 and to provide supportingengagement between the container 35 and unit 32 in such variouspositions of adjustment. Thus, for example, the complete device with thecontainer 35 and diffuser' unit 32 in an extended position, as shown inFig. 3, may be suspended by the hanger unit 37, comprising looped cord33 and hook 39 from a suitable support 40. Alternatively, the devicewith the diffuser unit 32 in suitably extended position can be mountedon a horizontal support 41, in which event the hanger unit 37 willcollapse and rest upon the top of the unit 32.

The partial showing in Fig. 4, substantially along the line 4 4 of Fig.3, indicates the cylindrical wall 33 of the unit 32 as having aninwardly offset portion i2 forming a recess in the outer surface of saidcylinder to receive the hanging cord 38. This offset or recess can bepreformed in the cylindrical wall, or alternatively may be formed by theaction of initially inserting the unit 32 into the container 35 withportions of the hanger cord 3S overlying outer surfaces of the unit 3?.,as seen in Fig. 3.

The fragmentary view shown in Fig. 4 also indicates a modifiedconstruction wherein the top disk 43 of the unit 32 is provided with aplurality of apertures 44 permitting emission of vapors through the topof the unit 32, as well as through the apertured cylindrical wallthereof. It will be understood in this connection that the apertureddisk 43 can be used in place of the imperforated disk 22 shown in Fig.l. it will be `further understood that the unit 32, as shown in Fig. 3,can include a top disk or closure of either perforated or imperforatedform.

Fig. is a fragmentary view of the top portion of the assemblage shown inFig. 3 with the container 3S and diffuser unit 32 thereof in collapsedor inoperative position and with the hanger unit 37 collapsed andresting upon the unit 32. The container 35 may be provided with anysuitable closure means, and for purpose of illustration, a cap 45 hasbeen shown having a depending flange 46 adapted -to overlie a bead orlip 47 protruding outwardly of the top of the container 35. Suitablesealing means is also provided as indicated by the annular gasket ring48 within the fiange 46 for forming a substantially vapor tight sealbetween the cap 45 and container 35. It will be understood that theshowing in Fig. 5 of the drawing is intended primarily to show thegeneral relationship of parts in the collapsed or inoperative positionand is not intended t0 limit the device to any particular closure meansor any particular means for mounting the closure on the container 35.The important factor to consider in this connection is that a suitableclosure means is one that will provide an essentially vapor tight sealfor the container during periods of shipment and storage.

The device, in accordance with my invention, can be employed or utilizedin many different ways and for the dispensing or diffusing of vapors ofdifferent types and kinds. Thus, for example, the diffuser unit can beemployed for the freshening and deodorizing of small confined spaces,such as, closets, garment bags, hampers, or the like or can be used totreat or condition the air of entire rooms. It is to be understood,moreover, that the diffuser unit can contain volatilizable materials ofdifferent types and kinds, such as air freshening or deodorizingcomponents, insecticidal and insect repellent agents, fumigants and thelike.

The size of the diffuser unit can be varied to meet the needs of theintended use as can the number and arrangement of apertures in the Wallsthereof. In this connection it should be noted that the rate ofdiffusion of vapors from the diffuser unit depends partly upon thenumber and arrangement of holes or apertures and partly upon the size ofthe apertures. As shown in the drawing, the diffuser unit has beenindicated as having an arrangement of apertures which provides openingshaving an area equivalent to approximately five per cent of thecylindrical wall area indicating a device intended to have a relativelylong effective life, i. e., a slow rate of diffusion of vapors throughthe apertured walls. When the same free or open space is provided by asmaller number of holes of larger7 individual size, the rate ofdiffusion of vapors is increased to some extent since larger holesoffers less resistance to the passage of air and vapors therethrough.For most uses of the device, the number and size of the apertures in thewalls of the diffuser unit will be such as to provide an open areaequivalent to as little as two to four per cent of the cylindrical wallarea when slow volatilization is desired, or as much as 15 to 20 percent of the cylindrical wall area when rapid volatilization is desired.lt should be understood, however, that this range is given merely forillustrative purposes, and in some instances, it may be desirable toemploy diffuser units wherein the percentage of open area in acylindrical wall falls outside this range.

Variations in the rate of volatilization of material from the diffuserunit which can be effected by the telescoping engagement between thediffuser unit and container, as

. shown in Fig. 3, can also be provided with an assemblage of the typeshown in Figs. l and 2 by employing suitable suspending means engagingthe diffuser unit and the top of the container. By way of illustration,the hook 27, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing, can be provided at thecord engaging end thereof with a projecting portion 27. By inserting theprojecting portion 27 in one of the apertures 17 of the diffuser unitand engaging the hook 27 with the upper edge of the container 1l, asseen in Fig. 2a, the diffuser unit may be supported in differentpositions of vertical adjustment with respect to the container. In thisconnection, it will be noted that the hook 27 can be employed in themanner just described, while remaining in engagement with the cord loop26. It is within the purview of our invention to employ any type of linkor clip means engaging both the container and the apertured walls of thediffuser unit to support the latter in different positions of verticaladjustment.

The diffuser unit can be constructed of any suitable materials which arerelatively inert to the particular vaporizable material to be dispensedtherefrom. Thus, for example, the diffuser unit can be fashioned fromcertain metals or plastics or, when producing an inexpensive disposableunit, can be fashioned of suitably treated paper and cardboard.

It is also within the purview of our invention to treat the diffuserunit, as shown for example in Fig. 2, as a distinct article ofmanufacture and sale apart from the container, in which event thediffuser unit may be wrapped or packaged in accordance with knownmethods, as for example by wrapping with plastic coated or otheressentially vapor impermeable sheeting and closing the wrapping by heatsealing or suitable adhesive means.

Various changes and modifications in the vapor difvfusing devices ashereinabove described will occur to those skilled in the art, and to theextent that such changes and modifications fall within the purview ofthe appended claims, it is to be understood that they constitute part ofour invention.

Having fully described our invention, what we claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

l. A vapor diffusing device of the character described comprising incombination a container element having essentially vapor-proof closuremeans therefor, and a diffuser unit removably supported in said element,said diffuser unit comprising a unitary side wall part and top andbottom walls defining a chamber for reception of vapor emanatingmaterial, said side wall part having a plurality of apertures thereinproviding for circulation of air and vapors through said unit, meansoperatively engaging at least one of the apertures of said unit wherebysaid unit can be supported in positions at least partially removed fromthe container, said last named means comprising an elongated suspendingstrand having means intermediate the ends thereof supporting asuspending hook, the ends of said strand terminating in clip elementssecuring said ends of the strand to the apertured walls of the unit, andthe strand engaging portion of said hook having a protruding partinsertable in apertures of the Wall of said unit in suspending the unitfrom the top of said container by means of said hook.

2. A vapor diffusing device of the character described comprising incombination a container element having essentially vapor-pr0of closuremeans therefor, and a diffuser unit removably supported lin saidelement, said diffuser unit comprising a unitary side wall part and topand bottom Walls defining a chamber for reception of vapor emanatingmaterial, said side wall part having a plurality of apertures thereinproviding for circulation of air and vapors through said unit, meansoperatively engaging at least one of the apertures of said unit wherebysaid unit can be supported in positions at least partially removed fromthe container, said last named means comprising a suspending elementhaving protruding means adapted to engage at least one of the aperturesin the wall of said unit, and other protruding means adapted to engagethe upper peripheral edge of said container.

3. A vapor diiusing device of the character described comprising incombination a container element having essentially vapor-proof closuremeans therefor, and a diiuser unit removably supported in said element,said diffuser unit comprising a unitary side Wall part and top andbottom walls dening a chamber for reception of vapor emanating material,said side wall part having a plurality of apertures therein providingfor circulation of air and vapors through said unit, and meansoperatively engaging at least one of the apertures of said unit wherebysaid unit can be supported in positions at least partially removed fromthe container, said last named means comprising a exible suspendingdevice engaging the apertured walls of said container at diametricallyopposed portions thereof and including a hook element for mounting on asuitable support, and the diffuser unit having telescoping frictionalengagement with said container element.

References Cited inthe iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,662,738 Coogle Nov. 13, 1928 2,086,046 Preston July 6, 1937 2,111,025Galler Mar. 15, 1938 2,251,058 Kirkman July 29, 1941

